Monday, February 17, 2014

Patrice Bernier named Montreal Impact captain

MONTREAL — If the story came full circle back in 2012, when Patrice Bernier returned a decade later to the city and franchise that spawned his career, we can now say the epilogue has been written.

On Thursday, the final day of the Major League Soccer team’s indoor training camp sessions at College Marie-Victorin, the Impact announced Bernier, its 34-year-old midfielder, is the new captain.

Bernier, a Brossard native, replaces Davy Arnaud, who was traded during the off-season to D.C. United. Bernier’s appointment had been expected but, with a new head coach in Frank Klopas, anything was possible.

Bernier will be assisted by striker Marco Di Vaio, defender Matteo Ferrari and goalkeeper Troy Perkins, all of whom were named vice-captains.

“People mentioned it. Maybe it was something people found logical. Logically, it would be the next choice. But a new coach comes in and he has to evaluate his group, evaluate people he values as veterans ... and who he wants to be his chief, his liaison between the players and himself,” Bernier explained.